hannahbanana Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 For any readers interested in fantasy as well as libertarian themes, this is a great series to read (personally, the first series that got me interested in libertarianism). Although the first book is a little more fantasy-focused than the sequels, the following books in the series each address several topics in the setting of a made-up world. These topics include but aren't limited to: justice, abuse (in the past and present), self-knowledge, rationality, atheism, racism and slavery, self-defense, and the welfare state. It focuses around two main characters, Richard and Khalan, who are basically fighting an evil emperor who controls his people through violence and keeps them compliant with welfare programs and religious guilt. Although I might not have agreed with all of the ideas implied by the author, I found it very thought-provoking, especially for fantasy. I've read the series more than once, and still notice new ideas. It's probably one of the best series I've read.
mangodrink Posted June 21, 2014 Posted June 21, 2014 I am constantly seeing this series getting bashed(mostly on /r/books) which makes me more inclined to check it out. It's always called simplistic and then joking how the author wants to be Ayn Rand, which to me is incredibly annoying because most people who shit on Rand haven't read dick about her in my experience. I've always thought a sort of individualist story would translate well to fantasy, so I'll read it eventually. Gotta finish these massive Malazan books first.
Shea Roberts Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I was aware of libertarian views before I read the books, so I could spot them in the novels quite easily (especially in Faith of the Fallen) but I found them to be fascinating reads. He never got too "preachy" with it I thought and it transitioned well into a fantasy setting. I like the "Wizard Rules" in each book and the theme they set for each one. I might re-read the series at some point, just to revisit the series. I've heard Goodkind has released a second story arc as well? As of now, I don't really have the motivation to get started with the novels again (still waiting on ol' GRRM to get Winds of Winter out), so lately I've just been reading a lot of history/philosophy books to break it up a bit. It's weird though, that I've heard this series and the author bashed by those who are anti-libertarian as well as libertarians and anarcho-capitalists for different reasons. Obviously to an anarchist, Richard Rahl isn't a hero as he still promotes a state in which he is the ruler, so there's the argument I see from them. But leading as an "enlightened ruler" fits well into the narrative I believe.
Dillon Posted June 24, 2014 Posted June 24, 2014 Check out The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson if you haven't already. Its easily in my top 3 and the second in the series just came out a few months ago.
hannahbanana Posted August 3, 2014 Author Posted August 3, 2014 I was aware of libertarian views before I read the books, so I could spot them in the novels quite easily (especially in Faith of the Fallen) but I found them to be fascinating reads. He never got too "preachy" with it I thought and it transitioned well into a fantasy setting. I like the "Wizard Rules" in each book and the theme they set for each one. I might re-read the series at some point, just to revisit the series. I've heard Goodkind has released a second story arc as well? As of now, I don't really have the motivation to get started with the novels again (still waiting on ol' GRRM to get Winds of Winter out), so lately I've just been reading a lot of history/philosophy books to break it up a bit. It's weird though, that I've heard this series and the author bashed by those who are anti-libertarian as well as libertarians and anarcho-capitalists for different reasons. Obviously to an anarchist, Richard Rahl isn't a hero as he still promotes a state in which he is the ruler, so there's the argument I see from them. But leading as an "enlightened ruler" fits well into the narrative I believe. Faith of the Fallen was actually my favorite book in the series (maybe that was a good sign for me to become an anarchist, haha). I have the first book for the next arc, but haven't started it yet. My brother did, said it was not as good as the first series, but still decent. There is also a stand-alone book that is connected to the universe called The Law of Nines (also very good). I was also unsure of how to feel about the statist view, but if felt that it brought up so many other good questions about society that I was able to overlook that bit. I also liked how the magic system was pretty legitimate (it goes into it a little more in the Law of Nines), which is different than most other fantasies.
mangodrink Posted August 3, 2014 Posted August 3, 2014 Check out The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson if you haven't already. Its easily in my top 3 and the second in the series just came out a few months ago. This series has been real quality so far. Way of Kings was fantastic. I enjoyed Words of Radiance as well, but maybe it was a bit overly-long. It didn't have the sense of wonder found in Way of Kings, but then it makes up for it by expanding the scope of the story like tenfold. I really have no idea where Sanderson will take these books. And there's 8(!!!) left. Some things were a tiny bit predictable in the books, Kaladin can be absurdly whiny and Shallan gets on my nerves sometimes, but overall I really enjoy the books.
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